Bene Merenti Presentation

This medal is an honour awarded by the Pope to members of the clergy and laity for service to the Catholic Church. Originally established as an award to soldiers in the Papal Army, the medal was later extended to the clergy and the laity for service to the church.

Bernie is in his 100th year, and was surrounded by his family and friends, and the wider parish community on Sunday morning at the usual Sunday Mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart, where Bishop Denis made the presentation on behalf of Pope Francis.

A reception followed in Rathcoffey GAA Hall, which was attended by many people from Rathcoffey.